Product DescriptionWith just a few select books to date, the British publisher (and design company) Fuel has already made a splash with its beautifully produced books on such ephemeral or popular arts as tattooing (Russian Criminal Tattoo Encyclopedia Volumes I and II), soccer programs (Match Day) and improvised domestic implements (Home-Made). Fuel's latest publication extends this visual anthropology to the Internet, specifically the blog BibliOdyssey. Across the world, libraries and institutions are only recently starting to make their collections available online, and the bulk of this amazing material goes unnoted by the casual surfer. BibliOdyssey's mission over the past two years has been to diligently trawl the dustier corners of the Internet and retrieve these materials for our attention. Thanks to the daily efforts of this singular blog, a myriad of long-forgotten imagery has now re-surfaced, from eighteenth-century anatomical and architectural drawing to occult and alchemical engravings and proto-Surrealist depictions of the horrors of industrialization (for example, the half-plant, half-people illustrations of J.J. Grandville). Each of the images is accompanied by commentary from 'PK,' author and curator of the BibliOdyssey blog. The book also provides details for each image and links to the source website. With a foreword by artist Dinos Chapman, BibliOdyssey is a true cabinet of curiosities and a journey in discovery and delight.
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - disappointment
I bought this book sight unseen, after becoming hooked on the Bibliodessey site. I was very disappointed in the rather dull, uninteresting pieces that were chosen. Very few were of the 'wow' nature that the site often displays. A few were interesting, and I am always interested in illustrative art from any age, so I'm glad to have seen the ones chosen. But I'm very sorry I spent my money, and plan to just stick with daily perusing the site instead.
Rating: - A wonderful on-the-shelf "cabinet of curiosities"
I've been a faithful fan of PK's intriguing website BibliOdyssey for a number of years so I was delighted to learn a selection of his wonderful treasures would be published in book form. The book now has a special place in my art library - that is, when I can keep it on the shelf. I've lent it to friends and family a half dozen times and being reluctant to pull it away from someone who is enjoying it, I've replaced my original copy a few times now.
Rating: - Beautiful images -- book to web to book, again
The images are amazing, whether you see them in their original setting, on BibliOdyssey, or in this great book.
Several years ago the New York Public Library started the NYPL Digital Gallery which "provides access to over 600,000 images digitized from primary sources and printed rarities in the collections of The New York Public Library, including illuminated manuscripts, historical maps, vintage posters, rare prints and photographs, illustrated books, printed ephemera, and more." I've ... Read More
Rating: - good not great
this book is fun...could use a little more description of each link or site to make it more useful
Rating: - Amazing Book
This book is such a beautiful visual journey. I received it for Christmas and have not had enough time to sit down and read it cover to cover yet. Though the time I have spent perusing the book is all the encouragement I need to make the time. PK's commentary is both informative and accessible throughout. The author's love and passion for this work shines through, and makes it a captivating book.
- disappointment
- A wonderful on-the-shelf "cabinet of curiosities"
- good not great
